Librarians do more than stand guard over shelves of books. In order to be successful, they’re frequently called up to be freedom of information advocates, strategic planners, marketing specialists, budget-balancing experts, public speakers and more – sometimes all in the same week!To help Tennessee’s public librarians deal with the many challenges they face on the job, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) offers a three-year training program called the Public Library Management Institute. And this week, TSLA is pleased to recognize 23 library directors from across the state who just graduated from the institute.Participants in the program spend a week each year in intense training sessions on topics such as library values, library governance, leadership, project and personnel management, and strategic partnerships. This year’s graduates join 157 others who have completed the institute’s training since the program was founded in 1995.”The Public Library Management Institute has served librarians and, by extension, the library visitors they serve well for 20 years,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “The goal of this program is to help our state’s librarians provide the best possible experience they can to each person who walks through a library’s doors or accesses a library website online. I commend this year’s graduates for their hard work and dedication to improving their craft.””TSLA is pleased to operate the Public Library Management Institue as part of our ongoing commitment to provide training and support to public librarians throughout Tennessee, particularly those who serve rural and suburban communities,” State Librarian and Archivist Chuck Sherrill said. “This program highlights some of the best practices in library management and it also provides librarians with networking opportunities that can be beneficial throughout their careers.” This year’s graduates are:Amanda Smith of Audrey Pack Memorial Library in Spring CityAmanda Williams of Washburn Community LibraryBambi Walker of Greenback Public LibraryBradley Walker of William H. and Edgar Magness Community House & Library in McMinnvilleCarol B. Ghattas of Linebaugh Public Library in MurfreesboroCindy Nesbitt of Giles County Public Library in PulaskiCrystal Nash of Lewis County Public Library in HohenwaldDaphne Windham of Briceville Public LibraryDavid Phillips of Seymour Branch LibraryDonna Phillips of Jefferson City Public LibraryEileen Queener of H.B. Stamps Memorial Library in RogersvilleFayrene Miller of Bean Station Public LibraryGail Spragins of Perry County Public Library in LindenGlenda Kinney Doyle of Lee Ola Roberts Public Library in WhitevilleJillian Rael of Lincoln County Public Library in FayettevilleKimberly Todd of Luttrell Public LibraryLelani Sabo of Hendersonville Public Library of Sumner CountyMay Lingner of Cheatham County Public Library in Ashland CityMelissa Montgomery of Surgoinsville Branch LibraryPamela Rudnitzki of Wartburg Public LibrarySandra Brakebill of Niota Public LibrarySarah Lewis of Putnam County Library in CookevilleTamara Hammer of Dickson County Public Library in Dickson ### Media contact: Blake Fontenay, Tri-Star Chronicles Coordinator, (615) 253-8759 or c.blake.fontenay@tn.gov

advocacy

ALA Library Snapshot Day
Library Snapshot Day provides a way for libraries of all types across a state, region, system or community to show what happens in a single day in their libraries.

Love Your Library
This Web site is proof that you are not alone: Millions of people all over the world love their libraries! From libraries that became winter refuge for children through engaging story hours to librarians who turned their libraries into health resource cen